The and of Vincent van Gogh: neuropeptides of bondedness and loss.

We introduce two Korean-named yet transcultural feelings, and , to fill gaps in neuroscientific understanding of mammalian bondedness, loss, and aggression. is a visceral sense of connectedness to a person, place, or thing that may arise after proximity, yet does not require intimacy. The brain opioid theory of social attachment (BOTSA) supports the idea that involves increased activity of enkephalins and beta-endorphins.

Mu opioid receptor expression by nucleus accumbens inhibitory interneurons promotes affiliative social behavior.

Mu opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens regulate motivated behavior, including pursuit of natural rewards like social interaction as well as exogenous opioids. We used a suite of genetic and viral strategies to conditionally delete mu opioid receptor expression from all major neuron types in the nucleus accumbens. We pinpoint inhibitory interneurons as an essential site of mu opioid receptor expression for typical social behavior, independent from exogenous opioid sensitivity.

Reevaluating tear gas toxicity and safety.

Tear gases, or chemical demonstration control agents (DCA), were originally created as weapons that could severely disable or kill enemy troops. Though banned in war, these chemicals are still used in domestic policing. Here we review the available scientific literature on tear gas, summarizing findings from animal and environmental studies as well describing data from new human studies.

μ-Opioid Receptor (Oprm1) Copy Number Influences Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry and Reciprocal Social Behaviors.

The μ-opioid receptor regulates reward derived from both drug use and natural experiences, including social interaction, through actions in the nucleus accumbens. Here, we studied nucleus accumbens microcircuitry and social behavior in male and female mice with heterozygous genetic knockout of the μ-opioid receptor (Oprm1). This genetic condition models the partial reduction of μ-opioid receptor signaling reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders.

Interruption of continuous opioid exposure exacerbates drug-evoked adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system.

Drug-evoked adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system are postulated to drive opioid abuse and addiction. These adaptations vary in magnitude and direction following different patterns of opioid exposure, but few studies have systematically manipulated the pattern of opioid administration while measuring neurobiological and behavioral impact. We exposed male and female mice to morphine for one week, with administration patterns that were either intermittent (daily injections) or continuous (osmotic minipump infusion).

Istradefylline reduces memory deficits in aging mice with amyloid pathology.

Adenosine A receptors are putative therapeutic targets for neurological disorders. The adenosine A receptor antagonist istradefylline is approved in Japan for Parkinson's disease and is being tested in clinical trials for this condition elsewhere. A receptors on neurons and astrocytes may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by impairing memory.